# vernier

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈvɚniːɹ/ · frequency rank #80,098

## Definitions
1. A secondary scale with finer graduations than the primary scale of a measuring device; the vernier measures between graduations of the larger scale.
2. A secondary control input with finer control than the primary, or coarse, input; for example the vernier frequency tuning knob on a radio.
3. A secondary system of force application for the attitude control of a spacecraft; for example a vernier thruster.

## Etymology
Borrowed from French vernier. From Pierre Vernier, the inventor.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/vernier